Ghana Charts Bold Path as Hon. Jinapor Outlines Energy Reforms to Power Mining Growth at WAMPEX 2025

Accra, Ghana – May 28, 2025 – The 2025 edition of the West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX) opened today at the Accra International Conference Centre with a keynote address by the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor. The Minister outlined an ambitious reform agenda to transform the energy sector as a key enabler of mining and industrial growth in West Africa.

In his address to a distinguished audience of regional ministers, international investors, diplomats, industry leaders and energy stakeholders, Hon. Jinapor emphasized the symbiotic relationship between energy and mining. "Mining is an energy-intensive enterprise. The reliability, affordability, and sustainability of energy supply directly impact productivity and competitiveness in this sector. It is my duty to ensure that we have stable supply of power to the mining sector." he noted.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensure that energy becomes a catalyst but not a constraint for growth, stating that Ghana is poised to lead West Africa’s green and industrial transition.

Energy Policy Reforms and Green Transition Priorities

The Minister unveiled comprehensive energy reforms and investments structured around key pillars such as speed, regulatory attractiveness, security and sustainability which include;

• Accelerated infrastructure development to meet growing electricity demand across industrial sectors.

• Diversification of the energy mix, with a strong push towards renewable energy, natural gas, and battery storage solutions.

• Private sector involvement in electricity distribution through performance-based models aimed at reducing system losses.

• Deployment of over 12,000 net-metered solar PV systems and 35 mini-grids in 2025 alone, as part of a decentralisation and rural electrification drive.

• Establishment of a Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund to support SMEs, homegrown technologies, and inclusive energy access.

• Introduction of industrial-friendly tariffs, including Time-of-Use rates and negotiated bulk contracts for mining and manufacturing firms.

Digitalisation and Innovation for a Smarter Energy Future

Hon. Jinapor championed digital innovation as central to the energy sector’s transformation. He cited the use of AI-enabled tools for resource exploration, smart metering and automation of grid operations as critical to enhancing transparency, reducing losses and attracting new investments.

A Call to Action for Regional Collaboration

The Minister urged all participants to translate dialogue into action. “These actions are not isolated, they form part of an integrated vision to ensure that energy becomes a strategic enabler of industrial transformation,” he said. “Let us work together to power prosperity for our mines, our industries and our people.”